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Navigating childcare choices

By Karen Fontaine |

Tales of parents putting their unborn child’s name on the waiting list at the local preschool or long daycare centre are not an urban myth: it’s what is happening in 21st-century Australia as people realise that quality childcare doesn’t present itself on a platter.

Here’s what you can do to ensure you have options when it comes to finding and keeping quality childcare.

Finding a childcare place

When you have decided on the type of childcare that best suits your needs, the next step is finding out what is available in your area. Online directories such as MyChild.gov.au will tell you quickly and easily if there are vacancies in your area for the days you require childcare. Check their accreditation details to see if they meet your individual needs, such as education programs, meals and other services provided.

Word of mouth can be hugely useful, so ask parents in your area if they’re happy with the childcare they use – and ask if their centre has any vacancies. Getting a friend to introduce you to the childcare centre’s director can sometimes pay dividends, just as paying a visit to the centre in person is also a good idea, as it will give you a chance to see how the centre operates. Even a quick visit will give you a feel for the centre and its carers, and let you know whether you wish to put your child’s name down or not.

In addition, the Child Care Access Hotline is a free telephone service that can help you find childcare. Call 1800 670 305 between 8am and 6pm nationally Monday to Friday (note, however, that charges apply for calls from public payphones or mobile phones).

Put your name on a waiting list – pronto!

Like the old saying goes: it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Which means that it’s wise to put your child’s name down at a number of centres well ahead of the time you anticipate you will need a spot – and see what comes back.

By the same token, think ahead. If you want your child to transfer from long daycare to a dedicated preschool in their year before starting school, put their name on a waiting list at your preschool of choice as soon as possible. In NSW, KU preschools accept names on their waitlist from birth!

And if there’s even a slight a possibility you might move to a different suburb or state, consider putting their name down at a preschool in that area. Even if the move doesn’t eventuate, all you will have lost is the waiting list fee (which is usually around $10-$20).

Contact your council for occasional care

Providing intermittent care for children aged 0-5 years, occasional care is usually run by local councils, so contact yours to find out what’s available.

Assess centres for quality

The government’s recently introduced National Quality Framework will rate, from later in 2012, the quality of services at Child Care Benefit-approved childcare providers. For the first time, the system is Australia-wide, meaning all states and territories will follow the same guidelines.

Within two years, all centres must hire at least one carer for every four babies and toddlers younger than two. Carers without formal qualifications will be banned from long daycare centres and family daycare by 2014, when all centres with at least 25 children must employ at least one tertiary-educated early childhood teacher.

From later in 2012, when the ratings will be made available, the Framework can help you make informed choices, but you shouldn’t underestimate the value of going with your gut feeling.

Inspect as many centres as possible to get a feel for how safe, happy and nurtured your child might be at each of them. Think about the logistics of getting to and from each of them. Spend time talking not only to the carers but also watching children at the centre – if most of them appear to be happy and engaged, that’s a great sign. Care For Kids also has a comprehensive childcare checklist to help you decide the centre that’s right for you.